A Makeup Artist is not just an expert at their profession and communicator to their clients - first and foremost they are a creative person and artist themselves. You are the creator of beauty, and your face is your business card, so take care not only of your client, but also of yourself.

First of all, it is of course the professional knowledge that is important and will serve as the foundation to your artistic expression, but do not forget about the appearance, the art of communication, and the ability to present yourself - present yourself strongly and with confidence that you are a high-class professional and your client is in good hands.

We believe that the success of a Makeup Artist in addition to their professional skills is made up of their presentation and ability to communicate directly with their clients.

Let’s begin with the presentation of yourself and how you will appear when working with your clients: you can express yourself as you wish in your free time; however if the client came to you, be sure to also respect their own opinion and taste.

Your professional clothing selection when on the job should not only be stylish and show that you have your own individual taste - but most importantly will need to remain professional. Dark and neutral colors are always recommended, along with clean and minimal lines. It is not a runway show, but rather you will be creating for the client - maintain professional at all times, and the main goal is for you to always look professional, clean, and well maintained (if you take care of yourself, the client will feel this energy and know you will also take good care of them!)

Cleanliness is a companion of any employee who works in the beauty industry! The appearance of a specialist should be neat and at the same time stylish and modern.

Work shoes must meet two criteria: be clean and comfortable. Heels are not recommended. Flats and comfortable (yet professional shoes) are always preferred, as you will be on your feet for a long period of time catering to your client’s needs.

Remember, your profession is all about building relationships - if people find a Makeup Artist who connects with them and is to their own style and liking, then the client will always return to you, and give you glowing recommendations to their community network as well. As an example, here is a perfect client relationship recommendation from our Online Makeup Academy instructor (you can also see the examples of our working process here).

The main tool of a Makeup Artist is their hands, therefore the approach to this part of the body should always be well thought out when working. Your nails should be well manicured, with minimal application - preferably clear or light in color. Keep your hands clean and moisturized, as your client will be “up close and personal” with your hands specifically and it is of utmost importance to provide a hygienic presentation. Keep hand sanitizer (always wash your hands before, after, and in between a makeup application! This is crucial!) as well as a hand cream with a light and fresh (not fragrant) scent.

Smell is also crucial when you work so closely with your clients. However, a very fragrant or floral smell is discouraged (do not use perfume, but rather only clean and fresh scents). Many people are allergic to different scents and can be sensitive if you have a fragrant perfume; try to remain fresh and simple, as remember, your customers are not obliged to share your preferences of scents. Keep mints or a mouth freshener spray on hand (not gum) as your breath should always remain fresh. This will make it easier for you to communicate.

Keep your hair minimal and pulled back. Even if you have luxurious long hair, the client does not want it in their face. Hair should be clean and not fall on the face. If you have long hair, it should be neatly (and stylishly) pulled back so that your hairstyle does not interfere with work. We recommend braiding your hair and removing it from your face.

While it is important to prepare your best presentation, it is equally ideal to remain natural. Your makeup should be natural and not be obvious. The best choice is a soft and natural style, which implies a minimum of cosmetics (but always make the extra effort in grooming and apply the usual cosmetics for a great presentation). The client should feel comfortable, and if your makeup is better and brighter than their requests, then the person may become embarrassed and doubt you as a professional. Overall, this will be a decision you will make dependent on each client and the job at hand - it is important for the Makeup Artist to ensure that the client is satisfied and feels great.

The manner of communication

It's very important to always maintain positive client/artist relationships, and follow proper ethics for a makeup artist:

If you are receiving a client in your studio space, and the client arrives to your appointment early but are not yet ready to receive them, tell the client how long to wait and offer a drink (sparkling and still water is always great to have on hand, as well as coffee and tea, it's a small gesture that makes all the difference!)Establish a relationship of trust with the client: communicaton is key, find out what makeup the client wants, determine the condition of the skin and the necessary care products. Listen carefully. Your ultimate goal is to make the client happy.

Always address your client by name; this adds a personal touch and will let the client know you care about them.

If your client is not in the mood to talk, don’t impose a conversation, you can simply comment on your actions during the appplication.

If the client decides to share personal problems with you, treat it with understanding, but do not give advice.

During makeup application is a very personal process, try to keep a comfortable distance. Too close to the client can cause discomfort.

After you finish the makeup, you can always provide some tips on how to apply these techniques at home.

Before the client leaves, make sure that they are completely satisfied. After the first visit, you can offer a business card!

To become a true professional, of course, written advice is not enough. Interested in learning more? You can continue your professional education with an Online Makeup Academy course, where our instructors will tell you about all the intricacies of the work of the Makeup Artist in detail.

As you begin your career in professional makeup artistry, the main questions you will likely have as a beginning Makeup Artist is how to build the perfect kit, and what makeup products should be included in it! We know that working without tools is impossible, but there is also no one "right" answer in what your makeup kit should look like. Of course there are the basic products that should always be included - but the brands, colors, types, and additional items, is what will make you as an artist unique! As you grow as an artist, your makeup kit will also grow - as you develop your own style and client base, you will notice the products that are the "perfect items" for your own makeup kit.

For now, as you are just beginning - remember that your makeup kit is a magic wand, without which no transformation will succeed. Therefore, if you decide to embark on the path of a Makeup Artist, be patient: the perfect products for your kit is not an easy process, and will include trial and error (though we think testing out new products is part of the fun!) With that said, we have prepared a guideline for the basic items in your beginning makeup kit:

Any makeup begins with cleansing the skin and preparing it for the subsequent application of products. With cleansing, keep everything simple - it is important to choose the medium that suits all skin types. Micellar water is a must have, and a gentle makeup remover is also a great product to have on hand. As well as a moisturizer - you may want to invest in a higher moisture product as well as an oil-free moisturizer product for both your clients with dry and oily skin. Your clients also will likely bring their own skincare preparation products (this is also highly encouraged!) that they prefer to use.

Selecting your base foundations: this selection is likely the part that you fear the most - but do not worry, it is easily solved! You do not have to buy 12 jars of foundation: otherwise, just imagine how heavy your makeup kit will be! You can consider only four shades (lightest and darkest) of your choice, as well as a white and yellow color adjuster - this will allow you to achieve perfect shades for all skintones.

Concealer: Follow the same guidelines as the foundation - a selection of lightest and darkest shades, which you will also be able to use for cream contour and highlight!

Powder: A translucent loose powder is ideal as it has a universal tone and adapts to any skin tone.

Blush: Each client is an individual with different color needs and requests - a blush palette with lighter and darker neutral shades is ideal.

Contour + highlight: A contour + highlight palette will be very helpful. You may want to pick up two, one with lighter toned contour/highlight and another with the darkest complexions, depending on the clients you plan to work with.

Eyeliner: Invest in neutral (black and brown) colors - the eyeliner can include your application of choice; pencil, gel, or liquid. You may want to consider a few different application techniques, to see what you are most comfortable with using (and in different settings they will require different products and methods of application!) Eyeshadow: First, begin with a palette of neutral shades (especially if you will be focusing on special occasion and bridal makeup!), as well as client work. Most clients will want neutral makeup. After you have started your professional education, you can begin to invest in additional creative color palettes that catch your eye for your artistry.

Mascara: a classic black mascara will be your lifelong partner!

For the preparation of lips, invest in a lip balm to moisturize the lips pre-application. Lipstick: Consider a lip palette, as similar to the blush palette - clients will request different shades, and a palette allows you to mix to also create your ideal color!

Do not forget about your essential tools:Brush set - invest in a brush set (or two) which will include application for foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and lips.

Disposable products: It is essential (to remain sanitary) that you always have disposable tools on hand, these include:Mascara wands + spoolies Lip wandsSpongesQ-Tips

It all adds up quickly, but it is important not to skimp on your kit, even as a beginner. While you do not need to invest in the most expensive brands, it is also important to not select the least expensive brands either - middle range professional brands are key to a professional's appearance! Still feel overwhelmed? That is why we have created a beginning makeup kit complimentary for our Master Makeup Artist course students - hand selected by our industry professional educators, this kit will kickstart your education and career!

Our makeup kit includes some of our favorite brand name products (Make Up For Ever, Smashbox, Inglot, and more!) for you to experiment with and build upon, read the current list below (but we are always updating and improving, and if we find another product that we love - we will upgrade the kit and include it for you!):

For those who are just starting their way into the world of makeup, it is important to start it with the right tools. We are always open to our students: write to us and we will figure out how to help you find the perfect products for your individual makeup kit!

We are in love with the beauty industry! The question is why? For most, the beauty industry is a chance to be creative (and share your creativity with others), build a sense of community, and create a dream job that is just perfect for you as an individual.

It doesn’t matter whether you understand all the makeup trends and constantly look through fashion magazines, or even if you are very far from this sphere, but just happen to love art and people (the beauty industry is a career that is focused on customer service! The goal is to make your client happy). Thinking of taking the leap of faith and have made the decision that it is time to try something new (something that you love, and work towards fulfilling your goals and dreams!) because the art of makeup is boundless with endless opportunity in this field. Here are five good reasons for taking that step and deciding to pursue your makeup career right now:

• Communication with people

Working as a Makeup Artist will always provide you with the opportunity to build your network, learn from others, and communicate with a variety of people. Every day you will meet with photographers and models, personal clients, and perhaps most importantly with fellow makeup artists. Your clients will most likely be entirely from another world, and among them you will meet people from all walks of life and industries! This is a very special opportunity to “get to know the world” without traveling too far!

Our Master Makeup Artist instructor, Paulina says:

“I love that I can enhance the natural beauty in everyone. I also love that I get to meet new people, see new places and be a part of someone's special day”

• Creation

The makeup world is not only about contouring, highlight, and those fashionable trends - the scope of makeup artistry is endless! You can choose any direction: specializing in weddings/bridal/special occasion (is always a freelancer’s favorite!), working in the salon (be sure to read our ‘MUA Licensing’ info!), create editorial images for glossy magazines or do makeup for a photo shoot, or even for television. There is a new opportunity for you to choose to pursue everyday. Makeup in its purest form, allows you to express yourself as an artist, and each of your models are the canvas. You have the opportunity to create with your own hands, not based on trends, but on the goal of the project as you see fit through your artistic eye, choosing your own color solutions and makeup composition. Doesn't that creative freedom appeal to you?

• Continuous development

We as Makeup Artists should never feel bored, as we do not live a routine life. Each season brings new trends, and the history of makeup covers centuries of research and study, as we boldly use history as inspiration to create new traditions. As soon as boredom appears in the makeup world, you can always expand your palette by learning something new. Makeup master classes and continued education should always awaken your passion and force you to experiment with your work.

• Free schedule

A freelancer’s life will allow you to set your own schedule - you get to decide when or how many clients you will take on, your work hours, and location. You do not have to wait for holidays all year and wait for the weekend, working out in the office from Monday to Friday. In our world, a great responsibility will be focusing on your schedule; sometimes it will be very busy, but your workload will always be your choice.

• Good wage

You will be worth as much as you value your work! Of course, your portfolio will tell all about your experience, but no one will force you to work for a low salary. If you network properly and communicate your business with potential clients, you will not have to sit without work either, because services for applying high-quality makeup are always necessary. You can take an active part in fashion shows, photo shoots, the work of various fashion magazines, private clients, bridal parties, special occasions, and more.

“I think the advantages of being a freelance Makeup Artist is being your own boss. You can take off for vacation when you want because you are flexible. You choose what jobs you take and how many hours you work. You also get to make your own prices and work for you! It is the best feeling to really be your own boss”

Each Makeup Artist will be able to name ten more advantages of our profession, because they only come to the world of beauty because of their heart, passion, and desire to create beauty all around. What are you waiting for? Take the next steps into your dream career, and always start with your professional education!